A new children’s television series all about ballet premieres at 4pm, Tuesday 16 October on TEN.
Hosted by actor and ‘ballet dad’ David Wenham, this documentary style program opens up the world of classical ballet, with the help of the Australian Ballet and the Australian Ballet School. “So many children around Australia love dance, and aspire to be a ballet dancer, so they’ll enjoy getting to go behind-the-scenes of the Australian Ballet and see every facet of the company,” says Wenham. “There’s interviews with choreographers, costume makers, ballet teachers, technical and medical staff, so they’ll get the whole picture of what it takes to make a ballet.”
Did Wenham have any ballet experience prior to becoming a ‘ballet dad’? “My father actually used to take me when I was a kid – but only if my older sisters weren’t available!” he laughs. “I fell in love with the art form then, and it’s stayed with me as an adult. My wife Kate is also a former dancer, so we always enjoy seeing the Australian Ballet in Sydney together.”
Although Wenham is no stranger to ballet, he was still impressed by what he saw whilst making the documentary. “I always knew how hard the dancers work, but to see intimately their daily routine, from Pilates, class, physio, rehearsals and performance – it’s quite overwhelming,’ he remarks. “It’s not just the physical nature of their craft, but the emotional layers they need to bring to a role as well as the perfect execution of the choreography that makes them such superb artists.”
While the show is pitched at children, no doubt there will be adults sneaking a look too. “That’s the beauty of this series,” explains Wenham. “It’s made for kids but their parents will find it entirely watchable too, so like going to the ballet, the whole family can enjoy watching it together.”
The Australian Ballet’s Lana Jones applying make-up for Swan Lake. Photo: Lynette Wills.